Fisher Industries founder dies in Arizona

DICKINSON, N.D. – Dickinson native Gene Fisher, who established a sand and gravel business that grew into a nationally known company, died Tuesday in Arizona. He was 84.

Fisher Industries – which began in 1952 as Fisher Sand & Gravel Co. on a farm outside Dickinson – now has more than 800 employees with offices in Dickinson, Tempe, Ariz., and six other locations in the western U.S.

The firm is known for crushing operations and other aspects of land development, including concrete, asphalt, drilling and blasting.

Gene Fisher’s son Tommy took over Fisher Industries and moved to Arizona in the 1990s, which led to a major expansion.

Dickinson Mayor Dennis Johnson said he remembers Gene Fisher for the good jobs and wealth he brought to the local economy, and how he shared his wealth through philanthropy.

Fisher donated to many well-known institutions in town, including the Biesiot Activities Center and Fisher Field at Dickinson State University.

Gene Fisher moved in the mid-2000s to Arizona, where a memorial was held Friday. A funeral is planned Saturday in Dickinson.